Method for the wireless and remote transmission and reception of coded information, variants and portable device for realising this method

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to radio engineering, and in particular it concerns a method of establishing contact between users. The method consists in that, in a portable computerized device combined with a radio transceiver, data comprising an array of formed information, which is, upon conversion, assigned a personal code, is inputted into the memory. Then, this code is transmitted in the form of pulsed radio signals through the propagation medium for reception thereof by other devices operating within the range of the first device. Upon reception of pulsed code radio signals transmitted by other devices, the codes received are compared with the personal code, and when one of the codes received is found to coincide with the personal code, the received data corresponding to that code is decoded and outputted for visual or audio perception of the information array corresponding to that code. On coincidence, a pulsed coincidence radio signal is transmitted in the coincidence code and a response pulsed radio signal in the personal code is received for the users to identify one another. Following reception of the pulsed personal code radio signals confirming establishment of direct contact, the users&#39; devices are switched to a direct communication mode for the users to communicate with each other. In the absence of coincidence between the codes received and the personal code, these codes are inputted into the memory and transmitted into the propagation medium, transmission being effected during the absence of a pulsed radio signal carrying the code corresponding to the personal code.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to radio engineering, and in particular itconcerns methods of and devices for shaping code data for remotewireless transmission and reception of target information to establishcontact between users carrying portable devices combined with limitedrange radio transceivers. The invention consists in a process ofsearching for desired people and required information sources,establishing contacts between people, including friendly, business andprofessional contacts, sexual, family-building contacts, contactsinvolving hobbies, interests, commerce, collecting, music, literature,arts, cinema, theater, sports, including socialization withincommunities of fans, mutual exchange of information, and games with oneor more participants.

PRIOR STATE OF THE ART

At present, a portable pocket device known as Lovegetty, comprising aminiature radio transceiver, is in wide use. Once activated, a Lovegettydevice emits a periodic radio signal of specific characteristics.Similar devices, activated and positioned at a close distance from thesignal source, are capable of receiving this signal and informing itsowner, by audio call, vibration call or any other means, about thesignal having been received. The Lovegetty's owner, therefore, willalways be able to determine if there is someone with another activatedLovegetty device nearby.

The idea of using this device is helping people seeking to expand theirrange of acquaintances to establish contact with one another. ALovegetty device switched on in the pocket signals its owner's desire tomake new friends or find like-thinking people. Two device owners findingthemselves in close proximity can immediately become acquainted, foreither of them knows that the other is ready for this.

This Lovegetty device is disadvantageous in that it is too much simple,and does not allow any additional functions to be realized or make asearch for friends more determined and purposeful. A radio signalemitted by a Lovegetty device does not carry any substantialinformation. For this reason, even if its owner really wanted to getacquainted with some stamp collectors over 55 years of age, hisLovegetty device would also respond to a radio signal sent by a14-year-old rock aficionado, which would not lead to anything more thanwaste of time on both sides.

Accordingly, the search for, and contact with, a desired user orlike-thinking person is complicated, because the signal emitted by theLovegetty does not carry any specialized profile information allowingsignals to be discriminated from one another on reception and a signalcarrying target profile information to be singled out. Profile is a setof standard information about a customer (user), commonly includinggender, age, anthropometric characteristics, hobbies, etc. Targetprofile is understood to mean information similarly organized by thecustomer (user) about a target of his or her search. Understandably, thecustomer (user) profile is always specific (describing a really livingparticular individual), whereas the target profile always containstolerable ranges (“age from 30 to 40, height from 1.60 to 1.85 m, and soon). The lack of function of comparing existing customer profilesagainst available target profiles in a certain formalized comparisonalgorithm indicating the coincidence rate of profiles in certainconventional units, for example, points, does not allow a user to find adesired counterpart or like-thinking person within a certain localmilieu efficiently or rapidly.

Known in the art is a method of wireless transmission and reception ofcode information for remote search and identification between two users,wherein a portable computerized device combined with a transceiver isadapted to input, using an alphanumeric keyboard, into its memory dataconstituting at least one array of generated information; transform thedata of each information array to a personal code; transmit at least onepersonal code in the form of pulsed radio signals through thepropagation medium to be received by the transceiver of at least oneother portable computerized device operating within the range of thetransceiver of the first device; receive pulsed code radio signalsemitted by the transceivers of any other portable computerized devices;compare the codes received with at least one personal code; and, if thepersonal code is found to coincide with at least one of the codesreceived in at least a majority of data, decode and output the receiveddata corresponding to that code to perceive visually or hear theinformation array corresponding to that code; further, on establishingcorrespondence between the information array received and theinformation array stored in the memory, send a pulsed coincidence radiosignal in the code, in which coincidence has been established, in orderto establish direct contact with the user of that code, and receive aresponse pulsed radio signal in the personal code for the users toidentify each other, confirming the establishment of direct contact(ref. French Application No. 2,615,957, GO1S 3/00, published Dec. 2,1988).

This prior art method of transmitting and receiving code information byusers for searching and identifying one another at a distance isspecific in that a pulsed radio signal emitted into the propagationmedium carries specific information converted into a code that can onlybe received by a user the memory of whose device stores informationcorresponding to that transmitted. Accordingly, a specific user isenabled to reduce the time needed to find another, desired user orlike-thinking person by reception being denied to the code informationfrom users whose codes do not correspond to the requirements of theparticular user.

This method is disadvantageous in that it is only usable in a localizedzone at a small signal transmission range and is intended for a smallnumber of users. For contact to be established by this method, it isessential that all the users be present in the same localized areawithin the effective range of their radio transceivers. In this rangeonly can a user receive signals from any other user. If the two usersare at a distance exceeding the range of their radio transceivers, nocontact can be established between them. This method, as a novel form ofcommunication and contact, was developed and designed for search to beeffected for people with the purpose of making their acquaintance in theconditions of so-called acquaintance clubs. This method helps simplifythe formation of a database of club members and visitors, compareexisting customer profiles with available target profiles manually or bycomputer, in order to establish the rate of coincidence and supportmeasures for contacts to be established between customers.

Another drawback of this method is its low accuracy and considerabledifficulty in determining the location of one user relative to anotheruser because the signal received does not carry any specificinformation. According to this method, an audio signal only indicatesthat a desired user is nearby. Direct contact cannot be established at adistance. If connection is established between the users (indicated by abeep-beep signal), search is conducted by turning the frame antenna toascertain the direction of maximum loudness of the audio signal. Searchis conducted according to the level of the signal, provided always thatone user seeks, while the other stands in place. If the second usermoves at this time, changes in the audio signal in the first user'sdevice would require the direction to be adjusted.

The developers of this method did not intend to go beyond clubterritory. It has been established, however, that many people wanting tomake new friends do not rely on the facilities of such dating servicesand clubs for many reasons—shortage of time or money, reticence, lack offaith in a positive result, and so on. Besides, many of existing singlesclubs and dating services have been set up with the only aim ofpromoting marriage through new friendships, and do not allow, forexample, people to make friends for taking up sports or other pursuitstogether.

Known in the art is a portable device for remote wireless transmissionof code information, comprising a radio transceiver having a receivingpart designed to receive pulsed input radio signals, a transmitting partdesigned to transmit pulsed output signals into the propagation medium,a mini-processor associated with these two parts and forming, togetherwith a memory unit, a software unit, a digital-to-analog andanalog-to-digital converter unit, and an input-output unit, amini-computer provided with a display to visually represent theinformation being received and transmitted, an alphanumeric keyboard forinputting data into the memory unit of the computer and anaudio-announcing unit, designed to generate audio signals, themini-computer being provided with appropriate software to perform thefunctions of receiving analog signals from the receiving part,converting said signals into digital signals, comparing the data ofthese signals with the data stored in the memory unit, processing thedigital signal carrying data in a code corresponding to the personalcode stored in the memory unit and the data inputted from the keyboardto generate personal codes, and outputting an analog signal confirmingreception of data in the coincidence code to the transmitting part fortransmission thereof through the propagation medium within the frameworkof a single protocol (ref. French Application No. 2,615,957, GO1S 3/00,published Dec. 2, 1988).

This device is disadvantageous in that it has an inadequate functionalefficiency, because the device performs, in accordance with the priorart method, the functions of receiving and transmitting targetinformation only and has a limited effective range.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is aimed at solving an engineering problem ofexpanding the range of transmission and reception of target codeinformation at a distance to establish contact between users carryingportable devices combined with limited range radio transceivers withoutchanging the range thereof. The technical result achieved by thisinvention consists in improving the efficiency of targeted search of oneuser by another and in establishing contact between the users.

The above technical result is, in respect of a first method, achieved bythat, in a method of wireless transmission and reception of codeinformation for users to search for and identify one another at adistance, wherein data comprising at least one array of generatedinformation is inputted from an alphanumeric keyboard into the memory ofa portable computerized device combined with a radio transceiver, thedata in each information array is then converted into a personal code;at least one personal code is transmitted in the form of pulsed radiosignals through the propagation medium to be received by the radiotransceiver of at least one other portable computerized device operatingwithin the range of the radio transceiver of the first device; thepulsed radio signals carrying the codes emitted by the radiotransceivers of other portable computerized devices are received; thecodes received are compared with at least one personal code; and, if atleast one of the codes received is found to coincide with the personalcode in at least a majority of the data, the received data correspondingto such code are decoded and outputted for visual or audio perception ofthe information array corresponding to that code; if the informationarray received corresponds to the information array stored in thememory, a pulsed radio coincidence signal is transmitted in the code inwhich coincidence has been established for achieve direct contact withthe user of that code; and a pulsed response radio signal confirmingestablishment of direct contact is received in the personal code for theusers to identify one another; the radio transceivers of the users are,following reception of the pulsed radio signals in the personal codeconfirming establishment of direct contact, switched to the radiocommunication mode, while in the absence of coincidence between thecodes received and the personal code those codes are inputtedtemporarily into the memory and pulsed radio signals of these codes aretransmitted at least once or during a specified time interval into thepropagation medium, the pulsed radio signals of the codes, which do notcoincide with the personal code, being transmitted during at least theabsence of the pulsed radio signal carrying the code, corresponding tothe personal code in at least a majority of data.

In this process, as data is inputted into the memory from thealphanumeric keyboard and represented on the display on the computerizeddevice, a set of data units differing in substantial content from oneanother is formed, each of the units of the set being encoded andassigned a personal code.

Furthermore, after data units have been formed, at least one code of theset of personal codes is transmitted in the form of pulsed radio signalsthrough the propagation medium to be received by the radio transceiversof other portable computerized devices.

The above technical result of a second method is achieved by that, in amethod of wireless remote transmission and reception of code informationfor establishing contact between users, wherein data representing atleast one array of generated information is inputted from analphanumeric keyboard into the memory of a portable computerized deviceof one user, said portable computerized device being combined with aradio transceiver, the data in said information array is converted intoa personal code of the user; the personal code of the user istransmitted in the form of pulsed radio signals through the propagationmedium to be received by the radio transceiver of another portablecomputerized device of another user, operating within the effectiverange of the radio transceiver of the first device; the pulsed radiosignals of the codes transmitted by the radio transceivers of theportable computerized devices of other users are received; the codesreceived are compared with the personal code to detect a radio signalcarrying a code corresponding to the personal code of the user; and, ifany one of the received codes of other users is found to coincide withthe personal code, the received data corresponding to that code isdecoded and outputted for visual or audio representation thereof; and,in the absence of coincidence between the codes received and thepersonal code of the user, the codes of the other users are inputtedtemporarily into the memory and pulsed radio signals of said codes areretransmitted at least once or during a specified time interval into thepropagation medium to be received by the radio transceivers of otherportable computerized devices or repeaters operating within theeffective range of at least one radio transceiver or repeater emittingpulsed radio signals of codes for subsequent retransmission of saidradio signals, the radio transceivers of each portable computerizeddevice retransmitting the pulsed radio signals of the codes which do notcoincide with the personal code at least during the absence of a pulsedradio signal of a code corresponding to the personal code.

Furthermore, if the coded information array received is found tocorrespond to the information array stored in the memory, a pulsedcoincidence radio signal is sent in the coincidence code to establishdirect contact with the user of said code and a pulsed response personalcode radio signal confirming establishment of direct contact isreceived.

After the pulsed coincidence radio signal and the pulsed response radiosignal have been transmitted transmission of the radio signals in thesecodes is terminated.

After the pulsed coincidence radio signal and the pulsed response radiosignal have been transmitted transmission of the radio signals in thesecodes is terminated and a switch is made to radio communication, orvideo data transmission, or telephone communication, or communicationvia computer networks.

The above technical result of a third method is achieved by that, in amethod of remote wireless transmission and reception of codeinformation, wherein data representing an array of generated informationprepared for another user is inputted from an alphanumeric keyboard intothe memory of a portable computerized device of a user, said portablecomputerized device being combined with a radio transceiver, the data insaid information array is converted into a personal code of the user;the personal code of the user is transmitted in the form of pulsed radiosignals through the propagation medium to be received by the radiotransceiver of the computerized device of the other user operatingwithin the range of the radio transceiver of the portable computerizeddevice of the first user; the pulsed code radio signals transmitted bythe radio transceivers of the portable computerized devices of otherusers are received; the codes received are compared with the personalcode to identify a radio signal carrying a code corresponding to therespective personal code of the first user; and, if one of the receivedcodes of the other users is found to coincide with the personal code ofthe first user, the received data corresponding to that code is decodedand outputted for perception thereof and for transmission of the codeinformation to a distance exceeding the range of the radio transceiverof the computerized device, to the radio transceivers of thecomputerized devices of the other users operating within the range ofthe radio transceiver of the computerized device of the first user; and,in the absence of coincidence between the received code of the firstuser and the personal code, the personal code of the first user istemporarily inputted into the memory and pulsed radio signals of thatcode are retransmitted at least once or during a specified time intervalto the propagation medium to be received by the radio transceivers ofthe portable computerized devices of the users or repeaters operatingwithin the range thereof for subsequent retransmission of said radiosignals, the radio transceivers of each portable computerized deviceretransmitting the pulsed code radio signals, which do not coincide withthe personal code, at least during the absence of a pulsed radio signalcarrying a code corresponding to the personal code.

The above technical result of the device is achieved by that, in aportable device for remote wireless transmission and reception of codeinformation, comprising a radio transceiver having a receiving partdesigned to receive pulsed input radio signals, a transmitting partdesigned to transmit pulsed output signals to the propagation medium, aprocessor associated with said parts and forming, together with a memoryunit and a software unit, a digital-to-analog and analog-to-digitalconverter unit and an input-output unit, a mini-computer provided with adisplay to visually represent the information received and transmitted,an alphanumeric keyboard for inputting data into the memory unit of thecomputer and an audio announcing unit designed for outputting audiosignals, the mini-computer being provided with appropriate software toperform the functions of receiving analog signals from the receivingpart; converting the same into digital signals; comparing the data ofsaid signals with the data stored in the memory unit; processing thedigital signal carrying data in a code corresponding to the personalcode stored in the memory unit and the data inputted from the keyboardto form personal codes; and outputting an analog signal confirming thereception of data in a coincidence code to the transmitting part fortransmitting the same through the propagation medium within theframework of a common protocol, wherein, in accordance with theinvention, the mini-computer is provided with an additional function oftemporarily inputting digital signals of codes that do not coincide withthe personal codes stored in the memory unit into the memory unit andoutputting said signal to the transmitting part for transmission thereofthrough the propagation medium.

The foregoing features of each of the methods and the device areessential and interrelated to form a stable combination of essentialfeatures sufficient to produce the desired technical result.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated with specific examples, which arenot exclusive, however, and demonstrably show the possibility of thedesired technical result being achieved by the combinations of essentialfeatures described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a phase of code information being transmitted by a user;

FIG. 2 shows a phase of code information of another user being receivedby the user;

FIG. 3 shows a transmission phase of a coincidence signal;

FIG. 4 shows a phase of the user being informed of code coincidence;

FIG. 5 shows a phase of directly transmitted messages being exchanged bythe users;

FIG. 6 shows a code signal retransmission phase;

FIG. 7 shows a phase of global code signal retransmission;

FIG. 8 shows a Seeking Friend mode;

FIG. 9 shows an Awaiting Friend mode;

FIG. 10 shows a coincidence signal message waiting mode (an AwaitingFriend sub-mode);

FIG. 11 shows a local retransmission mode; and

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a portable device for remote wirelesstransmission of code information.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A method of remote wireless transmission and reception of codeinformation by users for seeking and identifying one another forestablishing contract is based on the users activating portablecomputerized devices 1, each of which is combined with a radiotransceiver (FIG. 1). This pocket, small-weight device has a small rangefor transmitting pulsed radio signals to the propagation medium and forreceiving pursed radio signals from identical devices.

User #1 inputs data from an alphanumeric keyboard into the memory of thecomputerized device, which data forms at least one array of generatedinformation, the data in each information array being then convertedinto a personal code. When target or profile data is inputted into thememory this data is represented on the computerized device display, theuser being capable of forming a set of data blocks differing from eachother in substantial content and of encoding each of the blocks which isassigned a personal code different from the personal code of anotherdata block in the set.

The profile of an individual (user) is an array of alphanumeric datacomprising, in a strictly specified format, answers to specificquestions relating to the individual's anthropometric parameters,attachments and any other specific characteristics. The target profileis construed to be data describing a class of individuals, rather than aparticular individual, which individuals possess specific qualities. Theanswers contained in the target profile, therefore, normally representtolerable ranges of values (for example, “weight: 60-80 kg”).

Having inputted the data, the user transmits (FIG. 1) at least onepersonal code in the form of pulsed radio signals through thepropagation medium to be received by the radio transceiver of at leastone other portable computerized device operating within the range of theradio transceiver of the first device and carried by another user, forexample, User #2, or #3, or #4. In this case, User #1 can, after havingformed data blocks, transmit several out of a set of personal codes inthe form of pulsed radio signals in a definite priority or time-basesequence through the propagation medium.

The radio transceivers of the portable computerized devices carried byUser #2, #3 and #4 must be present within the range of the radiotransceiver of the device of User #1.

User #1 also receives pulsed code radio signals transmitted by the radiotransceivers of the other portable computerized devices and compares thecodes received with at least one personal code (FIG. 2). For example,User #1 receives signals from User #3.

The coincidence rate may be determined by different algorithms. Forexample, each parameter of the target profile may be assigned aparticular “weight,” or numerical value adequate to the importance ofthe parameter for the target profile author. The like parameters of theowner profile and the target profile are compared in pairs, thecomparison results are multiplied by the weight of a respectiveparameter, and the final total sum is calculated. If the total sumexceeds a pre-assigned threshold value, the profiles are considered tocoincide.

After at least one of the codes received is found to coincide with thepersonal code in at least a majority of data, the received datacorresponding to that code is decoded and outputted for visual or audioperception of the information array corresponding to that code by theuser. When the information array received is found to correspond to theinformation array stored in the memory, User #1 sends a pulsedcoincidence radio signal (FIG. 3) in the code, in which coincidence hasbeen found, to establish direct contact with the user of that code sothe two users could identify each other. If User #3 receives acoincidence signal transmitted in his code, he transmits a responsesignal. User #1 receives the pulsed response radio signal in thepersonal code confirming establishment of direct contact.

The code coincidence signals transmitted and received reciprocallygenerate an audio or a vibration signal (FIG. 4) in the device, whichsignal becomes perceivable by each of the two users. Following this, theradio transceivers are switched to a radio communication mode for theusers to transmit information to each other (FIG. 5), for example,directly over the radio channel, or the users exchange information abouttheir private telephone numbers, or their own location at the moment, orabout a meeting place. Other options are possible as well. For example,the device can be combined with a radio telephone, in which case boththe radio telephone and the device itself can operate individually andindependently of each other. Following reception of code coincidencesignals and confirmation of intention to get acquainted, thecomputerized device connects the radio telephone automatically ormanually, by the user, to the number given by one of the users to theother. Subsequently, the users maintain direct contact by radiotelephone. Similarly, connection can be made to wire telephone lines orcomputer networks directly or through the Internet.

In the absence of coincidence between the codes received and thepersonal code, these codes are inputted temporarily into the memory andpulsed radio signals of these codes are transmitted, at least once orduring a specified time interval, into the propagation medium (FIGS. 6and 11). Furthermore, the pulsed radio signals of the codes, which donot coincide with the personal code, are transmitted at least during theabsence of the pulsed radio signal in the code corresponding to thepersonal code in at least a majority of data. This specific featureallows each user, carrying a device with a very short range (5-15 m), tofind an adequate user beyond the range of the device. For example, auser looked or sought for to get acquainted with is at a distance of 20m from a first user in the same room of a club or stadium and, naturallyenough, cannot pick up radio signals of the first user. However, anyother users, who are within the range of the first user's device, uponreceiving a radio signal they have no interest in, transmit the unwantedradio signal within the range of their own devices that may overlap therange of the device carried by the user, with whom the first user wantsto establish contact. In this case, the targeted transmission of codeinformation specified by the data exchange protocol for these devicesprevents unauthorized access to the first user's private information bythird persons.

In several more embodiments, where information in codes that do notcoincide with the personal codes of the owner can be transmitted, forexample, as in the operating mode of the device shown in FIG. 11, aradio signal corresponding to these codes is transmitted only once, sothat when this radio signal arrives again the devices ignore it. Radiosignals arriving for the first time only are transmitted(retransmitted). In a further possible embodiment, however, the devicedoes not analyze the code of a repeat radio signal in any depth becausea detailed analysis has been done previously, and allows it to passfreely from the receiving part to the transmitting part of the device.Or else, a radio signal arriving for the first time is transmitted intothe propagation medium for a specified time interval in a specifiedsequence relative to other similar radio signals, whether this was asingle signal in its emission frequency or it was constantly recurring(the first signal of each new signal only can be emitted andtransmitted).

When a radio signal carrying a code that does not coincide with thepersonal code is received, its code is supplemented with an additionalcode indicating non-coincidence and the fact that this signal is to bepassed on, that is, transmitted or retransmitted. The additional codeshows for successive users who receive this radio signal that it hasarrived from beyond the range of their devices. On coincidence of thecoincidence signal transmitted the additional code is removed or afurther code is added to show that retransmission is to be terminated,as the users have located one another.

Following below is a description of an embodiment of the method ofremote wireless transmission and reception of code information for usersto search for and identify one another.

Device #1 sends (FIG. 1) an owner profile (OP1) into the propagationmedium, and devices #2, #3 and #4 receive OP1 and compare it with thetarget profiles stored in their memories. Device #3 finds a sufficientrate of coincidence between OP1 and one of its target profiles and sendsthe profile of its owner (OP3) to the address of Device #1 (FIG. 2).Device #1 receives OP3 and compares it with the target profiles storedtherein. If sufficient coincidence is found, Device #1 sends acoincidence message (CM) back to the address of Device #3 (FIG. 3). Bothdevices inform their owners of profile coincidence (FIG. 4). A possiblescenario of radio traffic that follows is continued exchange of directlytransmitted (Unicast) messages, which potentially leads to establishmentof personal contact (FIG. 5). Retransmission (for example, using aUnicast mode) consists in Device #1 sending a message (UM 1-3) to Device#3, which is beyond the range of the radio signal of Device #1, but inthis case Device #2 operates as a repeater, delivering the message toDevice #3 (FIG. 6).

A portable device 1 for remote wireless transmission of code informationcomprises a radio transceiver having an antenna(s) 2, a receiving part 3to receive pulsed input radio signals, and a transmitting part 4 totransmit pulsed output signals through the propagation medium. The radiotransceiver is associated with a mini-computer 5 comprising a centralprocessor 6 associated with a memory unit 7, a software unit 8, a unit 9of digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters, and aninput-output unit 10. The mini-computer has a display 11 for visualrepresentation of information received and transmitted (for example, aliquid crystal display panel), a unit 12, for example, an alphanumerickeyboard (for example, a key, film, LCD panel emulated, or any otherkeyboard) to input data into the memory unit of the mini-computer, andan audio or a vibration announcing unit 13 to emit audio signals. Also,the mini-computer has a power supply (for example, a rechargeablebattery), additional units essential for the operation andinterconnection of the units named, for example, a circuit board, adevice body, a clock frequency generator, etc.

The device may additionally (but not necessarily) comprise an owner callunit (an audio signal generator, a mechanical vibration generator,etc.), and any other components and units to enhance the operatingefficiency of the device and to give it secondary functions (for use asan electronic notebook, etc.).

Furthermore, the mini-computer is provided with appropriate software toperform the functions of receiving analog signals from the receivingpart thereof, converting them into digital signals, comparing the dataof these signals with the data stored in the memory unit, processing thedigital signal carrying data in a code corresponding to the personalcode stored in the memory unit, and the data keyed in from the keyboardto generate personal codes, and outputting an analog signal confirmingreception of data in a coincidence code to the transmitting part totransmit it through the propagation medium within the framework of acommon protocol, wherein, according to the invention, the mini-computeris capable of performing an additional function of inputting digitalsignals in codes that do not coincide with the personal codes stored inthe memory temporarily into the memory unit, and outputting thesesignals to the transmitting part to have them transmitted through thepropagation medium.

Also, the radio transceiver of the device may be adapted to be connecteddirectly to a wire or wireless telephone system, or a computer network,or to a radio communication system.

The current state of the art in microcomputer technology and radioengineering allows the above-described set of components to be designedin the form of a compact (pocket-size) device of small weight and lowpower requirements. The so-called two-way pager (also known as Twager,which is a registered trademark of the Nexus company) is an example ofan existing device comprising all the above-mentioned components.

The software designed to be used in the processor to manage the datastored in the memory performs at least the following functions:

controlling the operation of the system components, such as receivinginformation from the input unit, outputting the information to theoutput unit, processing the information, sending the information intothe air with the aid of the digital information converter andtransmitter, receiving information from the air with the aid of thereceiver and the digital information converter, etc.;

forming one or more owner profiles in the device memory, using theinformation input unit and, possibly, the information output unit;

forming one or more target profiles in the device memory, using theinformation input unit and, possibly, the information output unit;

comparing the profiles according to a specified algorithm (or a set ofalgorithms, including the use of odd logic) to obtain a formalizedevaluation of profile coincidence rate; and

inputting the digital signals of the codes that do not coincide with thepersonal codes stored in the memory unit temporarily to the memory unitand outputting these signals to the transmitting part for transmissionthereof through the propagation medium, using a specified outputalgorithm.

Another possible function is switching the radio transceiver from thelimited range mode to the long-range wire or wireless telephonecommunication, or radio communication, or to the computer networkcommunication mode.

The software may also be adapted to perform additional functions, suchas calling the device owner through the audio or vibration call unit,transmitting and retransmitting, games involving one or more players,and secondary functions (electronic notebook, etc.). Games with two ormore players are a further additional function of the device. Inaddition to common games such as Tetris and other kinds used repeatedlyin pocket devices, the device of the present invention can be assignedthe following game functions: group games (logical, arcade, etc.)involving exchange of messages by transmitting radio signals from onedevice to another, exchanging games by loading their computer codes anddata from other devices of the type described herein, including radiomessages. An example of radio communication between users to makewireless connection between portable game devices of two users andmaintain a group game session is provided by the invention of WO,95/26790, A63F 3/02, G06F 161/00, G01S 13/02, published Oct. 12, 1995.

It is also possible to use additional software designed for operation onother platforms (for example, in a personal computer) and performingadditional functions, or taking over some of the functions of the basicsoftware (for example, formation of profiles for subsequentlydownloading them into the device memory).

Each device stores in its memory one or more owner profiles and one ormore target profiles.

Each device may, at every single moment, be in one of at least threemodes:

1. Off;

2. On, to receive/transmit radio signals addressed to a particulardevice (hereinafter “Unicast” mode) only;

3. On, to receive radio signals addressed to all devices of this type(hereinafter “Awaiting Friend” mode); and

4. On, to transmit radio signals addressed to all devices of this type(hereinafter “Seeking Friend” mode).

In the Seeking Friend mode, it may be advantageous to perform theAwaiting Friend functions, that is, reception of radio signals addressedto all devices of this type (hereinafter “broadcast signal” or“broadcast”).

In the Seeking Friend mode (FIG. 8), a user keys in profile data andinputs it into the device memory (the profile can be formed in advanceand can be stored in the device memory, and there may be severalpreformed profiles stored in the device memory, each assigned a personalcode of its own). The device transmits periodically (for example, at aninterval of 5seconds, or on the owner's instruction) into the air apulsed radio signal containing one of the owner's profiles in a personalcode (specifically chosen by the owner). Depending on advance settings,the device verifies, in accordance with an algorithm, the need for anext radio signal to be sent. The query is made to end transmission of aradio signal carrying the owner's code, or, on expiration of a timeinterval set by the device owner to determine whether or not continuedsearch is justified, or by reason of a response radio signal having beenreceived.

All other devices within the effective range of the first device and setto the Awaiting Friend mode in the reception zone receive this radiosignal (FIG. 9) and compare the profile received with the targetprofiles stored therein. If the coincidence rate of the profile receivedand one of the target profiles meets certain criteria, the devicereceiving that profile sends, automatically or on its owner'sinstruction, one of its owner's profiles in the Unicast mode back to thefirst device.

Next, the first device compares the profile received with the targetprofiles stored therein. If the coincidence rate of the profile receivedand one of the target profiles meets certain criteria, the first devicesends back in the Unicast mode an encoded message informing the seconddevice of coincidence. Whereupon, both devices may inform their ownersabout mutual coincidence (FIG. 10) and allow their owners to establishcontact, for example, by keying in and sending arbitrary messages in theUnicast mode.

Retransmission and global retransmission modes may be used to expand theeffective range of message transmission.

On receiving a message addressed to any other device of this type and/ora broadcast message, the repeater 14 automatically, immediately or aftera brief interval, sends (retransmits) it once or several times into theair without altering its data (contents). At the end of retransmission,the device may remove the retransmitted message from its memory.

If, therefore, there is a sufficiently large number of devices of thistype within a certain area, messages can be relayed to distancesexceeding many times the range of the radio signal transmitted from asingle device.

The effective range of message transmission can be expanded stillfurther in a mode that can tentatively be called global retransmission.Global retransmission requires specialized devices (global repeaters 15)capable of receiving and retransmitting radio signals carrying messagesof above-described types, which specialized devices are interconnectedby communication channels 16 (radio communication system) or 17 (wiretelephone or computer networks), which can retransmit information overlarge distances. In addition to common retransmission functionsdescribed above, global repeaters 15 relay the messages received toother global repeaters 15 via communication channels 16 or 17. In turn,a global repeater 15 receiving a message via communication channelstransmits it into the air by the above-described conventional Unicast orbroadcast methods. The Internet is an example of communication channels,allowing messages to be retransmitted around the globe.

In most instances, global repeaters will preferably be designed asstationary or semi-stationary devices having transceiver units ofenhanced power (ref. WO, 88/08140, G01S 3/02, H04B 7/02, 15/00,published Oct. 20, 1988).

Another method can be developed on the basis of the method consideredabove to effect wireless transmission or reception of code informationover distance for establishing contact between users, wherein, in aportable computerized device of one user combined with a radiotransceiver, data representing at least one array of generatedinformation is inputted into the memory from an alphanumeric keyboard.This data is then converted into the user's personal code and the user'spersonal code is transmitted in the form of pulsed radio signals throughthe propagation medium to be received by the radio transceiver ofanother portable computerized device of another user within theeffective range of the radio transceiver of the first device.

Furthermore, the first user can receive pulsed radio signals of thecodes transmitted by the radio transceivers of the portable computerizeddevices of other users, and compare the codes received with the personalcode to detect a radio signal carrying a code corresponding to theuser's personal code. When the user's personal code is found to coincidewith one of the codes received from other users, the user decodes thereceived data corresponding to his code and outputs it for visual oraudio perception thereof. Thereafter, the first user can establishdirect contact with such other user whose code coincides with the firstuser's personal code.

In the absence of coincidence between the codes received and the firstuser's personal code, however, the first user inputs the codes of otherusers received in the form of radio signals at the input of thereceiving part temporarily into the memory of his device, assigns them,if necessary, in accordance with a routing algorithm, an additional orauxiliary code of, for example, non-coincidence and need ofretransmission, and then retransmits pulsed radio signals of these codesat least once or during a specified time interval through thepropagation medium to be received by the radio transceivers of otherportable computerized devices or repeaters operating within the range ofat least one radio transceiver or repeater emitting pulsed code radiosignals, for these radio signals to be retransmitted further on, whereinthe radio transceivers of each portable computerized device retransmitsthe pulsed radio signals of codes that do not coincide with the firstuser's personal code at least during the absence of a pulsed radiosignal carrying a code corresponding to the personal code.

For example, in accordance with one of possible routing algorithms,following transmission of a pulsed coincidence radio signal and aresponse pulsed radio signal, transmission of radio signals in thesecodes is terminated. Transmission is terminated on arrival of a codecoincidence radio signal or a response coincidence signal.

After the pulsed coincidence radio signal and the response pulsed radiosignal have been transmitted, transmission of radio signals in thesecodes can be terminated, because the users switch to radio communicationor video data transmission, or telephone communication, or computernetwork communication mode.

A method of wireless remote transmission and reception of codeinformation may also consist in that, in a portable computerized userdevice, combined with a radio transceiver, data representing an array ofgenerated information prepared for another user is inputted into thememory from an alphanumeric keyboard, the data is converted into apersonal code of the user; the personal code of the first user istransmitted as pulsed radio signals through the propagation medium to bereceived by the radio transceiver of the portable computerized device ofthe other user operating within the range of the radio transceiver ofthe computerized device of the first user; the pulsed code radio signalsemitted by the radio transceivers of the portable computerized devicesof other users are received; the codes received are compared with thepersonal code to detect a radio signal carrying a code corresponding tothe first user's personal code; and, on coincidence of one of the codesreceived from other users with the first user's personal code, thereceived data corresponding to that code is decoded and outputted to beperceived.

For code information to be transmitted to a distance exceeding theeffective range of the radio transceiver of the first user'scomputerized device, the radio transceivers of the other users'computerized devices operating within the range of the radio transceiverof the first user's computerized device, in the absence of coincidencebetween the first user's code received and the personal code input thefirst user's personal code temporarily into the memory; assign, ifnecessary, an additional non-coincidence codes and a (re)transmissioncode, if required; and retransmit, at least once or during a specifiedtime internal, pulsed radio signals of that code into the propagationmedium to be received by the radio transceivers of the users' portablecomputerized devices or repeaters operating within the range thereof forsubsequent retransmission of these radio signals, wherein the radiotransceivers of each portable computerized device retransmit pulsedradio signals of the codes, which do not coincide with the personalcode, at least during the absence of a pulsed radio signal carrying acode corresponding to the personal code.

The implementation of this method is illustrated schematically below:

Device #1 transmits (FIG. 1) an owner profile (OP1) into the propagationmedium, and Devices #2, #3 and #4 receive OP1 and compare it with thetarget profiles stored therein. Device #3 detects a sufficient rate ofcoincidence between OP1 and one of its target profiles and sends itsowner's profile (OP3) to Device #1 (FIG. 2). Device #1 receives OP3 andcompares it with the target profiles stored therein. When sufficientcoincidence is detected, Device #1 sends back a coincidence message (CM)to Device #3 (FIG. 3). Both devices inform their owners of profilecoincidence (FIG. 4). In a possible scenario, direct (Unicast) messagesare then exchanged, leading, in principle, to establishment of personalcontact (FIG. 5). In a retransmission (Unicast) example, Device #1 sendsa message (UM 1-3) addressed to Device #3, which is outside the range ofthe radio signal of Device #1, but in this case, Device #2 operates as arepeater, delivering the message to the repeater that passes the messageon to Device #3 (FIG. 6).

In global retransmission (broadcast example), Device #1 sends abroadcast message (BM), for example, in a bar during a football matchviewing session. All devices in the same bar receive the messageimmediately, and besides the same message is also received by all thedevices in another bar, provided, however, that both bars are equippedwith global repeaters. Also, the message can be transmitted from one barto the other on the Internet, when the message sent to a global repeateris entered therefrom into the Internet computer network and transmittedfrom the latter to another global repeater, which transmits thesemessages to users, for example, #22, #39 and #41.

The auxiliary components of a message, such as, for example, its route,can be modified.

The capability of the device described herein to transmit and receiveUnicast and broadcast messages makes it suitable for use within asurprisingly wide range of applications and allows it to be described asa general-purpose communication device. In addition to the obviousapplication methods already described above, the present device(possibly combined with additional devices capable of receiving andtransmitting messages in a desired format) can be used to:

1. Facilitate socializing in a group of people (for example,dissemination of an agenda at a conference, exchange between devotees ata performance, etc.);

2. Disseminate general information (flight arrival and departure reportsat airports, location and work schedules of hotel services at hotels,etc.); and

3. Obtain specialized information from particular sources, for example,Internet servers.

All the above-described methods are specific in that they can berealized both in stationary portable computerized devices, that is,devices that do not move around, and in devices moving constantlyrelative to one another. If a first user sends a message from point A topoint B, which is beyond the effective range of the first user'stransceiver, his message will arrive in point B by being retransmittedvia the transceivers of other users, the effective ranges of whosetransceivers overlap. The first user may in the meantime have moved frompoint A to point C. A response radio signal sent to him can betransmitted via other users, the effective ranges of whose transceiversmutually overlap. In this case, the response radio signal transmissionroute may not be the same as the transmission route of the query radiosignal.

Furthermore, radio signals are retransmitted from one radio transceiverof a portable computerized device to another, stationary or mobile radiotransceiver of a portable computerized device or repeater via the radiotransceivers of computerized devices or repeaters moving relative tothem and with respect to one another, or, in a possible alternative,radio signals are retransmitted from one stationary radio transceiver ofa portable computerized device or repeater to another stationary radiotransceiver of a portable computerized device or repeater via the radiotransceivers of portable computerized devices or repeaters movingrelative to them and with respect to one another.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATION

The present invention is commercially feasible because the methodsthereof are realized in devices developed on the basis of componentswidely used at present in designing computer hardware.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of wireless remote transmission and reception of code information by users to seek and identify one another, wherein, in a portable computerized device combined with a radio transceiver, data representing at least one array of generated information is inputted into the memory; the data in each information array is then converted into a personal code; at least one personal code is transmitted in the form of pulsed radio signals through the propagation medium to be received by the radio transceiver of at least one other portable computerized device operating within the range of the radio transceiver of the first device; the pulsed code radio signals emitted by the radio transceivers of the other portable computerized devices are received; the codes received are compared with at least one personal code; on coincidence of at least one of the codes received and the personal code in at least a majority of the data, the received data corresponding to that code is decoded and outputted for visual or audio perception of the information array corresponding to that code; on coincidence of the information array received and the information array stored in the memory, a pulsed coincidence radio signal is transmitted in the coincidence code to establish direct contact with the user of that code, and a response pulsed personal code radio signal confirming the establishment of direct contact is received for the users to identify one another, characterized in that, after the pulsed personal code radio signals confirming the establishment of direct contact have been received, the users switch their radio transceivers to a direct communication mode to enable the users to communicate with each other, while in the absence of coincidence between the codes received and the personal code, these codes are inputted temporarily into the memory and pulsed radio signals of these codes are emitted, at least once or several times during a specified time interval, into the propagation medium, the pulsed radio signals of the codes that do not coincide with the personal code being transmitted at least during the absence of a pulsed radio signal carrying a code corresponding to the personal code in at least a majority of data.
 2. A method of remote wireless transmission and reception of code information for users to establish contact with one another, wherein, in a portable computerized device of a first user combined with a radio transceiver, data representing at least one array of generated information is inputted to the memory; the data in this information array is then converted into a personal code of the user; the first user's personal code is transmitted in the form of pulsed radio signals through the propagation medium to be received by the radio transceiver of another portable computerized device of a second user, operating within the range of the radio transceiver of the first device; the pulsed code radio signals emitted by the radio transceivers of the portable computerized devices of other users are received; the codes received are compared with the personal code to detect a radio signal carrying a code corresponding to the personal code of the user; on coincidence of one of the received codes of other users and the personal code, the received data corresponding to that code is decoded and outputted for visual or audio perception thereof, characterized in that, on coincidence the radio transceivers of both users are switched to the mode of direct communication between the users, and in the absence of coincidence between the codes received and the personal code of the user, the codes of the other users are inputted temporarily into the memory, and the pulsed radio signals of these codes are transmitted, at least once or several times during a specified time interval, into the propagation medium to be received by the radio transceivers of the other portable computerized devices or repeaters operating within the range of at least one radio transceiver or repeater emitting pulsed code radio signals, for these radio signals to be then retransmitted; the radio transceivers of each portable computerized device retransmitting the pulsed radio signals of the codes, which do not coincide with the personal code, at least during the absence of a pulsed radio signal carrying a code corresponding to the personal code, the radio signals being retransmitted from one radio transceiver of a portable computerized device to another stationary or mobile radio transceiver of a portable computerized device or repeater via the radio transceivers of portable computerized devices or repeaters moving relative to them and with respect to one another.
 3. A method of claim 2, characterized in that, when an information array received in a code is found to correspond to the information array stored in the memory, a pulsed coincidence radio signal is transmitted in the coincidence code to establish direct contact with the user of that code and a response pulsed personal code signal confirming the establishment of direct contact is received.
 4. A method of claim 2, characterized in that, following the transmission of a pulsed coincidence radio signal and a pulsed response radio signal, transmission of radio signals in these codes is terminated.
 5. A method of claim 2, characterized in that, following the transmission of a pulsed coincidence radio signal and a pulsed response radio signal, transmission of radio signals in these codes is terminated and the device is switched to a radio communication mode or video data transmission mode, or a telephone communication mode, or to a computer network communication mode.
 6. A method of remote wireless transmission and reception of code information, wherein, in a portable computerized device of a first user combined with a radio transceiver, data representing an array of generated information prepared for another user is inputted into the memory; the data is converted into a personal code; the personal code of the first user is transmitted in the form of pulsed radio signals through the propagation medium to be received by the radio transceiver of another user's portable computerized device operating within the range of the radio transceiver of the computerized device of the first user; the pulsed code radio signals emitted by the radio transceivers of the portable computerized devices of other users are received; the codes received are compared with the personal code to detect a radio signal carrying a code corresponding to the personal code of the first user; on coincidence of one of the codes received from the other users and the personal code of the first user, the received data corresponding to that code is decoded and outputted for perception thereof, characterized in that, for the code information to be transmitted to distances exceeding the effective range of the radio transceiver of the computerized device of the first user, the radio transceivers of the computerized devices of the other users, operating within the range of the radio transceiver of the computerized device of the first user, in the absence of coincidence between the received code of the first user and the personal code, the personal code of the first user is inputted temporarily into the memory; an additional non-coincidence and transmission code is assigned thereto, and pulsed radio signals of that code are then transmitted once or during a specified time interval into the propagation medium to be received by the radio transceivers of the portable computerized devices of the users or repeaters operating within the range thereof, for these radio signals to be then retransmitted; the radio transceivers of each portable computerized device retransmit the pulsed radio signals of the codes, which do not coincide with the personal code, at least during the absence of a pulsed radio signal carrying a code corresponding to the personal code, the radio signals being retransmitted from one stationary radio transceiver of the portable computerized device or repeater to another stationary radio transceiver of the portable computerized device or repeater through the radio transceivers of portable computerized devices or repeaters moving relative to them and with respect to one another.
 7. A portable device for remote wireless transmission of code information, comprising a radio transceiver having a receiving part to receive pulsed input radio signals; a transmitting part to transmit pulsed output signals to the propagation medium; a processor associated with these parts and forming, together with a memory unit and a software unit, a digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converter unit, and an input-output unit, a minicomputer, having a display to visually represent the information received and transmitted; a unit to input data into the memory unit of the computer, and an announcing unit to output audio signals, wherein the mini-computer is provided with suitable software to perform the functions of receiving analog signals from the receiving part, convert them into digital signals, compare the data carried by these signals with the data stored in the memory unit, process a digital signal carrying data in a code corresponding to the personal code stored in the memory unit and the data inputted from a keyboard to form personal codes, convert the digital signals into analog signals, and output an analog signal confirming reception of coincidence code data to the transmitting part to transmit the same through the propagation medium within the framework of a single protocol, characterized in that, the mini-computer is capable of performing an additional function of inputting digital signals of codes that do not coincide with the personal codes stored in the memory unit temporarily into the memory unit and outputting these signals to the transmitting part to transmit the pulsed radio signals of codes that do not coincide with the personal code through the propagation medium during at least the absence of a pulsed radio signal carrying the code corresponding to the personal code, and the radio transceiver of the device is adapted to be connected to a wire or wireless telephone communication system, or a computer communication network, or to a radio communication network. 